David J.
Yelp
The Skirrid Mountain Inn (otherwise known as the Skirrid Inn) lies between Abergavenny and Hereford, at the entrance to the valley in which lies Llanthony Priory.
One of the claimants to the title of Britian's oldest pub, a court is recorded as being held at the Millbrook Inn on the site in 1110, when two brothers were tried for theft and sheep stealing (one was hanged for his crime). The Priory was founded in 1108 and it is possible the pub was built to provide for pilgrims and other visitors.
Manorial Courts were held here until 1485, with local courts thereafter. Hangings took place, so tradition has it, within the pub itself some 180 over the years. More of the pub's history can be found on the website. That all said, the exact age of the present structure is more debateable; most of the visible features are 17th century, although the main structure may be older.
The pub today is happily unpretentious and has a rustic main room with bare stone walls, a huge stone fireplace and bar. There's a further small, cosy bar and two larger rooms, used for functions and at busy times.
It serves a clutch of real ales, as well as food at lunchtimes and in the evenings. The food menu features traditional pub grub with decent portions, and there's an extensive choice of locally sourced meat, fish and vegetarian dishes, with starters and desserts, as well as sandwiches and filled baked potatoes at lunchtimes. Typical mains are around £6, up to £14 for steak.
When we ate there were several families there with young children as well as couples of various ages, and in the summer it is popular with walkers and tourists.
